System and method for remotely debugging application programs

Abstract

A method, system, and apparatus for debugging an application program from a workstation that is remote from a server on which the application program resides includes invoking the application program from the workstation via a network interface; displaying a user frame at the workstation that includes information generated by the application program; providing a debug view option at the workstation for generating a debug frame of the application program; and displaying the debug frame at the workstation when the debug view option is selected. A user can select options to switch between the user frame and the debug frame. The debug frame includes information about one or more components of the application program such as a list of the variables or objects, and the fields, methods, and / or the constructors associated with them. When the debug view option is selected, the information for the user frame is saved, and can be restored to regenerate the information on the user frame when the user view option is selected. The developer can view internal, public, and private code associated with the application program without compromising the security of other application programs on the server. This ability to remotely debug application programs in accordance with the present invention is thus more time and cost efficient than previous methods, and also alleviates concerns about security and unauthorized access to the server.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONApplication programs, such as web pages, are typically deployed on a server connected to an information network, such as the well-known World Wide Web. The applications are accessible by users at facilities that are remote from the site of the server that executes the application programs. This implementation has important benefits such as reducing computer memory and processing requirements at the remote client, and increasing the security of the application by retaining selected portions of the application in a secure location in the Web server.One disadvantage of implementing the application remotely from the end user is that the person responsible for debugging problems with the application program(s) is also typically located at a site that is remote from the location of the server.One approach that is currently available allows complete access to servers from remote locations. Many customers are uncomfortable with this approach due to the potential f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The various embodiments of the present invention for remotely debugging an application program can be implemented for use in a variety of programming language environments. For example, the remote workstation can include a web browser for viewing web pages that are generated by a Java application program on a remote server, and transmitted to the workstation via a network interface. If there is a problem with the application program, a developer can invoke the debug frame to investigate the status of various components in the application program, such as the value of one or more variables. The developer can also view information related to each of the variables, such as the fields, methods, and constructors associated with the variables. The developer can view internal, public, and private code associated with the program without compromising the security of other application programs on the server. This ability to remotely debug application programs in accordance with the present invention is thus more time and cost efficient than previous methods, and also alleviates concerns about security and unauthorized access to the server.

Problems solved by technology

One disadvantage of implementing the application remotely from the end user is that the person responsible for debugging problems with the application program(s) is also typically located at a site that is remote from the location of the server.

Many customers are uncomfortable with this approach due to the potential for unauthorized access to the information contained on the server.

Complete access to the servers also poses a risk of disrupting operation of the server, whether malicious or unintentional.

The alternative with this approach is for a consultant to travel to the site of the server to debug problems with the application programs, which is both more time consuming and costly than desired.

The capability should not allow unauthorized access to other information stored on the server where the application program being debugged resides.

The capability should also not allow disrupting the server's operation.

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